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Manchester United ready to pinch highly rated youngster off rivals Chelsea

By Ollie Slack

WIGAN, ENGLAND - APRIL 14: Reece James of Wigan Athletic during the Sky Bet Championship match between Wigan Athletic and Norwich City at DW Stadium on April 14, 2019 in Wigan, England. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)
WIGAN, ENGLAND - APRIL 14: Reece James of Wigan Athletic during the Sky Bet Championship match between Wigan Athletic and Norwich City at DW Stadium on April 14, 2019 in Wigan, England. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images) /
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Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants to sign Chelsea youngster Reece James, according to reports, as he looks to wipe the slate clean at Old Trafford this summer.

Reece James is a very talented young English footballer who has been at Chelsea since the age of six. In 2016/17, he helped Chelsea’s under-18s win a treble, before captaining the side to a ninth FA Youth Cup a year later.

Last season the youngster was sent out on loan to Championship side Wigan Athletic, just after signing a new four-year contract with his boyhood club.

A player who can operate at full-back and as a defensive midfielder, James enjoyed a terrific season at Wigan. He played in all but one of his side’s league matches, scoring three goals and registering three assists.

Latics boss Paul Cook was full of praise for the teenager:

"“He is so self-confident, and that is backed up by his ability and work ethic. All season he has been showing people that he has a very strong career ahead of him, and we are delighted to be playing a small part in his progression.”"

It is also reported that Leicester City is keen on signing James too, with new boss Brendan Rodgers hoping to freshen his side up in his first summer window as boss.

If United do submit an offer to Chelsea, it would allegedly have to be in the region of £15million, a similar evaluation to Swansea star Daniel James, another British talent who impressed in England’s tier last campaign.

WATCH AMAZING GOAL BY REECE JAMES

How the move would affect the rest of the squad?

Adding another versatile defensive player to United’s squad could perhaps be an indication as to which players Solskjaer will look to move on. Timothy Fosu-Mensah is a right-back by trade but can also play in a central defensive midfield role, similarly to James.

If Solskjaer was to commit in bringing the Blues defender to the club, it would most likely bring an end to young Fosu-Mensah’s time at Old Trafford.
If Solskjaer was to commit in bringing the Blues defender to the club, it would most likely bring an end to young Fosu-Mensah’s time at Old Trafford. /

I personally believe this move is unlikely though. Chelsea will not sell one of their brightest talents to a direct rival, despite the lack of opportunities they themselves are willing to provide youngsters.

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Fosu-Mensah could be on his way out of the club anyway this summer, but it would only be right if Solskjaer was to give him a chance of impressing in pre-season first.